UPDATED 6.43PM Police are reassuring locals in a Whangarei suburb where a man was found dead last night, there's no reason for them to lose sleep.

Forensic experts are working on the car where the man was found in Otangarei, after reports of gunshots in the area.

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of the man who is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be 34-years-old.

Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said a number of staff are working on the investigation.

He said they are yet to make any arrests or identify and locate suspects, but there's no information to suggest an ongoing risk to the public.

The body will be moved to Auckland tonight, for a post mortem tomorrow morning.

A witness seen running from the scene has been described as medium build, 170cm- 180cm tall and wearing a black hoodie and light coloured track pants.